In-band QoE Feedback for Dynamic Per-Flow QoS Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks lack efficient methods to dynamically enhance Quality of Service (QoS) for specific data flows based on end-user perceived Quality of Experience (QoE), leading to resource wastage due to uniform QoS provisioning across all data flows within a class, even though they may not require the same level of service to maintain acceptable QoE.
Innovation Solution
A method and network node that receive and decode QoE information from data packets to adjust QoS mechanisms in real-time, using in-band feedback within the communication network, allowing for tailored QoS adjustments based on the specific QoE requirements of each data flow, thereby enhancing the Quality of Experience for end-users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform QoS is provisioned for all data flows in a QoS class, then network management is simplified, but resource wastage occurs because not all flows need the same QoS level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS provisioning approach by introducing per-flow QoS parameters alongside existing per-class parameters. This allows different data flows within the same QoS class to receive differentiated service levels based on their individual QoE requirements, thereby eliminating resource wastage while maintaining manageable network control through structured parameter organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic QoS adjustment by enabling network nodes to modify QoS parameters in real-time based on feedback QoE information. The system can dynamically allocate resources to flows experiencing degraded QoE while maintaining efficient resource utilization for flows with acceptable QoE, resolving the contradiction between simplified management and resource optimization.
2Reliability
If QoS is enhanced for all data flows to ensure acceptable QoE, then user satisfaction is improved, but network efficiency decreases due to overprovisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling differentiated QoS treatment for individual data flows based on their specific QoE requirements. Instead of uniformly enhancing QoS for all flows, the system provides enhanced QoS only to flows that need it, thereby maintaining network efficiency while ensuring acceptable QoE for those requiring it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback mechanisms where QoE information is collected and fed back to network nodes, enabling dynamic QoS adjustment. This feedback loop allows the network to identify which flows require QoS enhancement and adjust resource allocation accordingly, preventing overprovisioning while maintaining user satisfaction for affected flows.
3Productivity
If QoS parameters are adjusted per data flow based on QoE feedback, then resource allocation is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a QoS control framework that operates at multiple levels (per-flow and per-class) and can function in various network configurations. The mechanism integrates with existing QoS infrastructure while adding per-flow capabilities, allowing optimized resource allocation without requiring complete system redesign, thus managing complexity through multi-functional design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If in-band QoE feedback is implemented within IP packets, then scalability is improved, but packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by embedding QoE feedback information within the existing IP packet structure, specifically within the IP options or extension headers. This nested approach allows the feedback mechanism to scale with the network without requiring separate signaling channels, while the processing complexity is managed by utilizing existing packet processing frameworks and protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enhancing Quality of Experience (QoE) associated with an application flow for an end-user in a communication network comprises: receiving a packet belonging to the application flow, the packet comprising QoE information determined based on previous packets exchanged within the application flow; decoding the QoE information from the received packet; and adjusting a QoS mechanism for the packet, based on the decoded QoE information for enhancing the QoE of the application flow. A network node for carrying out this method is disclosed. Also, a method for relaying QoE associated with an application flow for an end-user in a communication network comprises: receiving packets belonging to the application flow; calculating QoE information based on the received packets; and sending the calculated QoE information back to the communication network, the QoE information being included in a packet belonging to the application flow. A network node for carrying out this method is disclosed.